NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that Gronkowski told friends last week he wasn't comfortable with the status of his forearm heading into the Texans game, but Belichick said Sunday that Gronkowski wouldn't have participated if he wasn't healthy.

Gronkowsi first broke the forearm in a Nov. 18 win over the Indianapolis Colts, giving Tom Brady and the Patriots plenty of time to adjust to his absence. New England is outrageously dangerous when Gronkowsi is healthy, but the Patriots didn't have trouble moving the ball without him against Houston.

Belichick said Monday that Woodhead could have returned to the game after injuring his thumb, but will need to be cleared again by doctors before playing in Sunday's AFC title game against the Baltimore Ravens. Breer reported Monday that outside indications suggest Woodhead's injury isn't serious. On Sunday, running back Shane Vereen stepped up in Woodhead's place and Michael Hoomanawanui filled in capably at tight end.

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"That was a good example of our mental toughness and ability to adjust to circumstances at hand," Belichick said, in about as much detail as you can hope for from the tight-lipped Patriots.